Of Racks And Pinions...

Shortly after posting yesterday, I received a phone call from my mechanic stating that my truck was ready any time I wanted to straggle in and pick 'er up. This came as a pleasant surprise as the original estimate was that I would be back on four wheel sometime this morning. The Sheep rejoiced.

And that was the last piece of good news I heard.

Perhaps a recap of events would be helpful:

On July 26, I strode jauntily into the garage-type-place for my appointed oil change. I had also requested, when making the appointment, that the fellers take a look-see and see if they couldn't figure out what that god-awful noise that the truck was making might be.

At the counter, I reviewed my needs. With my limited vocal range, I even reproduced the offending noise for the amused gentleman. The word, "steering" left my lips. (I recall this because I was somewhat unsure of how well my efforts to sound "car savvy" were going over)

The oil change was completed and I was informed that my brakes and rotors needed work. In hindsight, I now realize that the words, "and that is why the car is making that noise" were never actually uttered.

I assumed.

Don't ever do that.

Yesterday, I brought the truck in for it's inspection and the required brake work. They had no record of my appointment. It was later discovered that it had been accidentally cancelled. This was not an auspicious start to my morning...

An hour later, the vehicle that had been described as being in "excellent shape" at the appointment on the 26th was discovered to have a leak in the rack and something hideous going on with the pinions. I don't know what all that stuff is...but I did note that it had something to do with the steering. The steering. Which I had suggested might be the issue in the first place. The estimate was now $700.00 to repair this damage and the brakey stuff.

I left the garage as Mr. Mechanic man (who, for the record here, was disarmingly cute) was ordering my new rack.

I walked home a distance just under 1.5 miles.

Late that same afternoon, I got the call saying that I was now the proud owner of a bouncing baby Ford Escape with a shiny new rack 'n rotors.

I walked just under 1.5 miles back to the garage. (I have a blister)

I was presented with a bill for $960.85.

.....!!!!!

I pointed out that this was somewhat above the estimate and that a phone call might have been appreciated. I was told that the labor had raised the final cost (the truck was ready almost twelve hours earlier than originally planned), that an inspection had been done (and that somehow raised the bill by two hundred dollars or so?) and that there were many things involved in such a delicate operation.

I was hot. I was tired. I had a blister. The mechanic guy was disarmingly cute. I paid my bill.

I drove to the pharmacy and immediately retrieved my prescription...better to take it late than to actually commit any of the crimes I was contemplating.

The long and the short of this saga is that the truck now has a more impressive rack than does The Sheep. That's not sayin' much, but it illustrates the point.

Today, I went grocery shopping:

Yes, that would be the bill underneath the self-medicating supplies.

While it was delightful to be driving a vehicle that does not howl like the Hounds of Hell when turning, I am not convinced that this pleasure was quite worth an amount that is closer to the thousands place than the hundreds.

I will be in a credit/sugar coma for quite some time, I fear.

But, there is good news!!! I might have something very purty to show you tomorrow.

But for now, this Sheep is going to go sit in her truck, eat chocolate and think of all the things that one might purchase for $960.85 USD.

SA